Speculation: Roster Building Thread VI (2019/2020)

[Edge]

I have to tell you, I'm once again struggling to see Chytil as a center in this league.

I agree it's nice if it works out. But this is going on two-and-a-half years now where I feel like it's not a natural fit.

 

[aufheben]

Lias and Lemieux should be swapped with Howden and Fast.

I dont agree with that.

Let’s see what the icetime and usage is before drawing too many conclusions. Talent-wise those lines are about the same. I am thrilled that Lemieux and Andersson are together.

In general I’m very happy with all the lines, except for Chytil not being there, but that’s his own fault. The 2C spot is still up for grabs as far as I’m concerned. Quinn should have no trouble putting Strome with Namestnikov and Fast if Howden/Andersson make some noise.

 

[Kovalev27]

For as young as a team as it is, I don't know if there's ever a problem bringing in vets.

Right now, in addition to the two you mentioned, we have Kreider, Smith, Staal, Lundqvist, Skjei, Trouba, Strome, Names, Fast, and even Haley. So that's 12 players potentially on the active roster.

Some guys get moved, other vets come in. Today's young talents become tomorrow's leaders. Etc. etc.

I’m referring to after this dump off. Kreider Namestnikov Fast Haley Will be gone. Your oldest forward is panarin at 28 by March 1st? That’s a ridiculously young team and I’m not sure conducive to winning anytime soon and you do need to do some winning to become an actual contender at some point

 

[FIRE DRURY]

Really liked what I saw from Reunanen. Hoping he can make the team next season, but I'm not sure where he'll fit. Guess that's a good problem to have as long unless a Vet like Staal is not taking a roster spot away from a kid who should be playing and developing. Shame Rykov got injured as I had high hopes for him as well.

Then you start thinking about Hajek and Lindgren --- and Robertson and Miller. Jesus.. Going to need 4 defensive pairs at this pace.

 

[Ola]

I would like to see a little different overall. That would be a transformation of Howden to LW. Send him to HFD and play him there.

Pick Ho-Sang off waivers.

Kreider-Ziba-Kakko
Panarin-Lias-Buch
Lemieux-McKegg-Ho Sang
Namestnikov-Strome-Fast

Then Strome, Namestnikov and Kreider are traded at the deadline and Kravy, Howden and Chytil is promoted (if they aren’t recalled due to injuries before that).

Kravy-Ziba-Kakko
Panarin-Lias-Buch
Lemieux-Chytil-Ho Sang
Howden-McKegg-Fast

JMHO.

 

[Larrybiv]

Fair, but I also wouldn't turn down the chance to nab a speedy, shoot-first RH forward that had a decent track record of scoring in his professional career. He had such a good start with the Ducks until Murray took over and banished him for not being defensive enough.

I'm still annoyed at how we tend to overpass, and I think adding another player with a shooter's mentality could help.

Me too on overpassing, 2nd part......but we have Lettieri!
Oh wait.....that ship has sailed. Just hasnt put it together. Hope he still gets another chance somehow, even if not with the Rangers. He will probably light up Hartford. Which will be good for Kravtsov and others.

 

[Machinehead]

Totally agree Howden did nothing to make the team, he basically made it bc they're comfortable with him being a bottom 6 center where they want Chytil to have a top 6 role. I guess the hope is give him 6 weeks or so in the AHL as 1C and maybe call him up when he looks like he's ready to win that 2c job. Kravtsov same but for getting more comfortable with NA style hockey and NA size rinks. It's just a timing issue with him really, the skill is there and even with just 2 weeks he's basically borderline there already. Let him cook for a few weeks and then call him up.

As for Howden, I'm very scared that Quinn has a blind spot with him. He looked horrible in camp, to follow up his horrible 5 or so months to end last season. And it appears he's the 3C over Lias. This makes absolutely no sense to me.

I've always said Howden is dangerous because his headless chicken act makes coaches love him.

I understand why because effort is important but it's bad when it a) takes you out of position and b) covers up weaknesses in your game.

 

[Rempe73]

Wouldn’t surprise me if someone above us snatched him, especially EDM.

Yea exactly my fear. They always need cheap scoring wingers.

 

[JohnC]

Totally agree Howden did nothing to make the team, he basically made it bc they're comfortable with him being a bottom 6 center where they want Chytil to have a top 6 role. I guess the hope is give him 6 weeks or so in the AHL as 1C and maybe call him up when he looks like he's ready to win that 2c job. Kravtsov same but for getting more comfortable with NA style hockey and NA size rinks. It's just a timing issue with him really, the skill is there and even with just 2 weeks he's basically borderline there already. Let him cook for a few weeks and then call him up.

As for Howden, I'm very scared that Quinn has a blind spot with him. He looked horrible in camp, to follow up his horrible 5 or so months to end last season. And it appears he's the 3C over Lias. This makes absolutely no sense to me.

Howden hasn’t looked good but I’ll continue to be a believer that he can turn it around.

Tricks Jews was a big fan of his around the time of the McD trade and I trust his judgement.

 

[Edge]

I’m referring to after this dump off. Kreider Namestnikov Fast Haley Will be gone. Your oldest forward is panarin at 28 by March 1st? That’s a ridiculously young team and I’m not sure conducive to winning anytime soon and you do need to do some winning to become an actual contender at some point

Well let's assume those four leave, that still leaves 8 guys --- or roughly a shade under 40 percent of the active roster.

But, depending on things progress, you're also looking at scenarios where guys like ADA are eclipsing 210 NHL games, along with guys like Buchnevich wrapping up their third season and being asked to take on increasing roles. And you're still going to have other vets brought in with time. It's just not going to be vets making $7 million a year for $7 years.

As for the oldest forward being 28, that's kind of the point we're at right now. There's not a large market for 29 and 30 year old higher-end forwards on non-contenders. So usually you're left with support guys on shorter contracts. I think we'll see that.

 

[Avery16]

 

[thethirdhockeyman91]

FLyers are losing to a Swiss team lmfao

 

[eco's bones]

I don't know if I'm a big fan of Ho-Sang to be honest. It's not just the attitude issues he's had but he also seems like a big tease. One of those guys who's uber-talented but always underachieving. He's not really a goal scorer--he's a playmaker. Sometimes that's great like with a Zuccarello and sometimes not so hot as in a Spooner. I think he leans more towards the Spooner end of things. If we were to pick him up on waivers I might try to send him to Hartford first to see how he worked out there.

 

[Fugazy]

FLyers are losing to a Swiss team lmfao

AV in mid-season form.

 

[TheDirtyH]

I have to tell you, I'm once again struggling to see Chytil as a center in this league.

I agree it's nice if it works out. But this is going on two-and-a-half years now where I feel like it's not a natural fit.

Seguin wasn't a full time center til he was traded to Dallas. Chytil excelled there in the AHL as a teenager. I think there's plenty of reason to wait and see

 

[Machinehead]

If Ho-Sang played center, I'd be all over it because why not?

We don't really need another winger.

 

[Kovalev27]

Well let's assume those four leave, that still leaves 8 guys --- or roughly a shade under 40 percent of the active roster.

But, depending on things progress, you're also looking at scenarios where guys like ADA are eclipsing 210 NHL games, along with guys like Buchnevich wrapping up their third season and being asked to take on increasing roles. And you're still going to have other vets brought in with time. It's just not going to be vets making $7 million a year for $7 years.

As for the oldest forward being 28, that's kind of the point we're at right now. There's not a large market for 29 and 30 year old higher-end forwards on non-contenders. So usually you're left with support guys on shorter contracts. I think we'll see that.

You’re talking about guys under 25 with like no playoff experience as being the vets on the team. Believe me I’m all for that but when you have a valuable veteran presence at 29 years old that’s won in this league that can play and mentor kids keep the room light and be on your pp there’s a lot of value in that. Not to mention a freak athlete.

Dealing that guy for a 28th overall pick? Does nothing for us

 

[Edge]

Seguin wasn't a full time center til he was traded to Dallas. Chytil excelled there in the AHL as a teenager. I think there's plenty of reason to wait and see

Definitely.

But like Seguin, there's also a big part of me that hopes to see him get time on the wings in the NHL if the components to becoming a center just aren't there yet.

 

[Kovalev27]

I like Howden a lot u guys are nuts. Plenty of upside there. He’s a bottom 6 center for sure.

 

[eco's bones]

FLyers are losing to a Swiss team lmfao

FWIW we did the same a few years ago. European teams aren't to be underestimated. What they may lack in talent they can make up to a degree in team play and use their larger ice rink and the crowd to their advantage. Basically the strategy is to choke and frustrate defensively and counterattack offensively. Get a lead and stifle the other side every possible way and it can be effective.

 

[Ola]

Howden hasn’t looked good but I’ll continue to be a believer that he can turn it around.

Tricks Jews was a big fan of his around the time of the McD trade and I trust his judgement.

Tricks Jews?

 

[Edge]

You’re talking about guys under 25 with like no playoff experience as being the vets on the team. Believe me I’m all for that but when you have a valuable veteran presence at 29 years old that’s won in this league that can play and mentor kids keep the room light and be on your pp there’s a lot of value in that. Not to mention a freak athlete.

Dealing that guy for a 28th overall pick? Does nothing for us

Unfortunately, in a world where he's likely going to command 7x7 until his age 35 season, that's not necessarily the best idea either.

I don't think the issue is whether this team should have veterans. I think the question which veterans should this team have, and more specifically, at what cost and term.

If Kreider was signed for another 3 years at his currently salary, or even a bit more, I don't think we move him this season. But that's not the case, and so here we are.

 

[Larrybiv]

On the cuts made and our final roster. I actually TOTALLY agree with these decisions. Remember, whats best for the player ISN'T always immediately whats best for the team.

E.G. Kravtsov and Lindgren. I actually thought both or at the least 1 would make the team.....but am totally fine with Haley and McKegg. Both have played their asses off and McKegg seems like he will be more than okay on 4th and PK.
Sending Kravtsov was a no brainer for the long term betterment of his career.
Same can be said for Filip. He needs a much more consistent effort level and fine tune being a better center, which is where the Rangers eventually want him. They already rushed the kid, now they're backing off, in fear of losing him altogether.

Kakko is another story. He IS ready already, but surely will go through some trying times and if he were sent down......Rangers fans would be up in arms, now wouldn't we?
Keeping Lindgren on roster would make 3 rooks on back end. 2 is already quite the adventure, despite Hayek and Fox looking really good thus far. With Trouba that is half the revamped defense. Wow!

We have 6 shiny new toys on this team. Kakko, Panarin, McKegg, and to some extent Lias. On D.... Fox, Trouba, Hayek.

That is a nice new bunch to keep eyes on. I will have to wear 2 sets of glasses.

 

[JohnC]

Tricks Jews?

Yes - it's what @Trxjw is short for

 

[Edge]

I like Howden a lot u guys are nuts. Plenty of upside there. He’s a bottom 6 center for sure.

Personally, I don't see the hate either.

Has been amazing? No.

But he hasn't been awful either. Certainly not more so than some of the other names that have popped up.

Andersson has been the most consistently impressive young center thus far. But Howden had a solid two-point game and had his moments.